NORCAP’s mission is to improve aid to protect and empower people affected by crises and climate change. With expertise in the humanitarian, development and peace building sectors, we collaborate with local, national and international partners on finding solutions that meet the needs of people at risk.
We do this by:
- Supporting humanitarian, development and peace building initiatives that protect and empower people
- Improving impact at the global and local level through joint projects with partners and stakeholders
- Providing expertise and developing capacity that enable partners to meet the needs of people in fragile situations and crises
- Strengthening the global system that we are part of through support for leadership, coordination and policy development
- Building bridges between the humanitarian, development and peace building sectors
African Union The African Union (AU), established in 2002 and headquartered in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, is a unique Pan-African continental body charged with spearheading Africa’s rapid integration and sustainable development by promoting unity, solidarity, cohesion, and cooperation among the peoples of Africa and African States, as well as fostering international cooperation. Organizational Setting and Reporting The Mediation and Dialogue Division (MDD) of the AU’s Political Affairs, Peace and Security Department (PAPS) was established in 2021 and is mandated to provide technical and operational support on preventive diplomacy, mediation, dialogue, and reconciliation efforts. Working within this framework, the Senior Policy Officer (Dialogue & Reconciliation) will play a crucial role in supporting these initiatives.
The Senior Policy Officer (Dialogue & Reconciliation) will be under the direct supervision of the Head of the Division. You will primarily be responsible for providing technical support and advise on mediation and dialogue related processes, including on process design, as well as supporting any ongoing national reconciliation processes. In fulfilling his/her mandate, the officer will work closely with the Regional Desk Coordinators for analysis related data, and other relevant units as needed in the Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security (PAPS).
Only applicants from the AU member states will be considered. The Officer will provide technical support and expertise on issues related to mediation, dialogue, reconciliation and peace building, and advocate for inclusive approaches to be mainstreamed in such processes at all times. The successful candidate will be responsible for the following duties:
- Provide technical support and expertise on mediation and dialogue, including process design.
Support national actors in convening multistakeholder dialogues, mediation processes, and national reconciliation processes.Ensure gender-sensitive and inclusive strategies in mediation and dialogue processes.Maintain knowledge of political and regional dynamics impacting peace processes.Support AU mediators and mediation teams in field missions and organizing stakeholder meetings.Provide advice on electioneering, prevention and countering of violent extremism, demobilization, disarmament, reintegration, and security sector reforms.Facilitate training on mediation and dialogue for national stakeholders and civil society.Advocate for the inclusion of women and youth in preventive diplomacy, mediation, and dialogue efforts.
Please read the full job description via the Terms of Reference.
Required Skills and Experience
To be successful in this role, you should have:
Education and Work Experience
A Master’s university Degree in Peace & Security Studies, Conflict Studies, International Studies, Political Science, Public Policy, Law, Development Studies, Social Studies, or other related disciplines, with at least seven (7) years relevant experience. A Bachelor degree in the above-mentioned fields with at least ten (10) years relevant experience will be considered in lieu of a Master’s degree. Additional training or certification in the field of mediation would be an added advantage.A minimum of five (5) years working experience in the field of mediation, alternative dispute resolutions (ADR), political affairs, conflict prevention, conflict management or peace building.Concrete experience in supporting a mediation or dialogue process is required.Good comparative knowledge of the AU mediation structures, or the existing mediation structures of Regional Economic Communities/Regional Mechanisms (RECs/RMs) or the UN would be desirable.Experience in the promotion of institutional gender and youth mainstreaming and/or implementing women and youth peace and security agenda is desired.
Skills and Competencies
Good comparative knowledge of political, peace and security dynamics, as well as conflict causes, on the continent.Good knowledge on process design in mediation processes.Ability to establish priorities and to plan work assignments.Ability to work closely with government and local officials, civil society organizations (CSO’s), NGOs, and other multi-lateral institutions in peace and security related issues.Excellent communication and writing skills, including sound reporting skills.Computer literacy and well versed in the use of the Internet, Power Point, Excel and Word.Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment.
Language Requirement
Proficiency in the mission language English. Knowledge of other working languages would be an added advantage (Arabic, French, Spanish or Portuguese).
Tenure of Appointment
The appointment shall be for a period of one (1) year, with the possibility of renewal, the first three (3) months of which shall be on probation. The salary attached to the position is set at P3 Step 5 inclusive of all allowances for internationally recruited staff.
The main competencies of a NORCAP Expert:
Building working relationshipsPlanning and organizingAdaptabilityResilience
What we offer
Rewarding work for a renowned global organisation Access to a network of humanitarian, peace, and development professionals A dedicated Staff Care Unit
How to apply
When submitting your application, kindly register in English your full employment history and education. Please include your full name as written in your passport.Uploaded CVs alone will not be reviewed. NORCAP values diversity, equity and inclusion. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of race, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, religion or disability. NORCAP reserves the right to conduct a full background check on shortlisted candidates Approved Health Certificate will be required prior to contract commencement and assignment Feedback will be given to all applicants within four weeks after the closing of this advertisement.